(Memphis) For several years, a South Memphis neighborhood begged the city to spruce up Charjean Park next to Airway Middle on Ketchum. Now, its wish is granted.
Shantay Caples has lived near the park for 30 years. Over time, she said the baseball backstop turned to rust, the parking lot rotted, and people treated it like a dump yard.
“They need to redo the park. It would be much better for the kids,” said Caples.
Council members voted unanimously to pump $1.3 million into the park adding a baseball field, soccer/football field, walking trails and a playground.
Memphis Police report 28 crimes near the park so far this year, mostly aggravated assaults, robberies, burglaries and drugs.
By giving kids something to do, neighbors hope crime will drop.
The project should be finished this time next year.
